“Heaven Will Not Fall” — Wike Issues Strong Warning to Rivers Govt Over Stadium Ban

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has issued a strong statement to the Rivers State Government over the denial of approval for a political rally at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.

The minister accused the Rivers State Government of blocking plans for a Renewed Hope Family rally scheduled to hold at the popular stadium. He described the refusal as unfair and unacceptable.

Wike said the organisers had followed due process by applying to use the facility. According to him, the request was turned down by the state authorities without justification.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Agenda coordinators at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Port Harcourt, Wike openly challenged the state government to reconsider its decision.

The coordinators were inaugurated for the three senatorial districts and all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

He warned that another denial would not be tolerated.

He said, “We applied to the state government for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. They refused us. Let me say this clearly: next time they do this, if you don’t approve it, we will break in by force.

“So, the state coordinator should write again to the state government and choose a day when we will inaugurate the ward-level coordinators. I want everybody to hear this clearly. Enough is enough.

“We are all from Rivers State. Nobody can deny us the use of state facilities. If you refuse to grant approval, we will do the needful, and we will take it by force. Heaven will not fall. Even if heaven falls, everywhere will still be at peace.”

Wike stressed that public facilities belong to the people of the state and should not be used as tools for political exclusion. He insisted that no group should be prevented from holding lawful gatherings in Rivers State.

Supporters at the event cheered loudly as he made the statement, showing clear backing for his position.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government had not issued an official response to Wike’s warning.